Appropriate Behavior (2015) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Shirin
(played by Desiree Akhavan) — protagonist
Protagonist and bisexual daughter of Persian immigrants. Navigates homelessness and career change after a breakup while confronting her family about her sexuality.
Maxine
(played by Rebecca Henderson) — protagonist
Shirin's ex-girlfriend and former partner. Works as a teacher at Park Slope school and begins dating someone new after the breakup.
Jacques
(played by Michael Lonergan) — supporting
Felicia
(played by Annalisa Graziano) — minor
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Shirin → Maxine
(Former Romantic Partners) — Their relationship is strained by Maxine's secrecy about coming out to her parents and Shirin's frustration with that secrecy; their argument ends the relationship.
The plot identifies Maxine as Shirin's girlfriend and describes their relationship ending in a breakup. They later meet at a party and exchange a brie...
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Shirin → Felicia
(Social Intimidated Housemates) — Shirin shares a new living arrangement with Felicia and experiences her as intimidating.
The plot says Shirin's new roommates include Felicia and that she finds Felicia intimidating.
Shirin → Jacques
(Social Roommates) — Jacques is identified as one of Shirin's new roommates in her crowded Brooklyn living arrangement.
The plot says Shirin navigates an improvised living arrangement in Brooklyn and that her new roommates include Jacques.
Story Analysis
After a breakup, Shirin negotiates romantic loss, family expectations, and her wish to live independently.
Plot Progression
After the Relationship Ends
— Shirin struggles to accept the breakup and tells a friend she wants her girlfriend back. She tries to feel better through food, dating, and role-play.
A Home and Family Under Pressure
— Shirin adapts to an improvised Brooklyn living arrangement with Jacques and Felicia. Ali's marriage plans and her parents' criticism sharpen her desire for independence.
Closeness and Concealment
— Shirin and Maxine grow close, and Shirin introduces her to her parents at a Noruz gathering. Maxine's departure and reluctance to come out deepen the strain between them.
The Birthday Breakup
— At a birthday gathering, Shirin and Maxine clash over secrecy, family dependence, and coming out. Their argument ends the relationship, with Maxine leaving after a hurtful exchange.
A Polite Final Encounter
— Shirin meets Maxine again at a party after the breakup. Their brief, polite exchange suggests they have moved onto separate paths while remaining in the same social orbit.
